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Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)

The goldenrod crab spider or flower crab spider (Misumena vatia) is an ambush predator that patiently waits for unsuspecting prey to come within striking distance. This species has the ability to change color from white to yellow (or vice versa) by transferring a yellow pigment between outer and inner cell layers of its body.


Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) hunting on Sierra bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata var. leucostachys). Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Amador County, California, USA.
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Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia), yellow form ready to strike. Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County, California.
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Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia), yellow form with prey. Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County, California.
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Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia), white form on rose meadowsweet (Spiraea splendens). This specimen is unusual in that it lacks the distinctive red or pink stripes on its abdomen. Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County, California.
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Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia), white form (same plant, different specimen). Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County, California.
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Next Spider: Daring jumping spider (Phidippus audax)



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All images copyright Timothy Boomer. All rights reserved worldwide.